The Command Prompt is a powerful tool on Windows that is often underutilized. If you use the Command Prompt daily, you'll realize how powerful it is, especially on the new Windows 11 operating system. But if the Command Prompt stops working or opens when called, you'll need to troubleshoot this issue. Here's how to fix it. Best 7 Methods Fix Command Prompt Not Working on Windows 11.
We've compiled a list of practical solutions that should get the Command Prompt working again on your Windows 11 PC. So, let's get started.
1. Check for viruses
Sometimes, your computer's antivirus software can be overly cautious and end up quarantining safe files. As it turns out, Command Prompt not working can happen if those quarantined files include files required by the Command Prompt. Therefore, you can start by temporarily disabling your antivirus software to see if that makes Command Prompt work again.
2. Create a shortcut
If you can't open the command prompt because of problems with your Start menu or Windows Search You can try creating a shortcut for it. Here's how.
Step 1: Right-click anywhere on the desktop, and go to New , and select In short From the submenu.
Step 2: in window create Shortcut In the Location box, type: cmd.exe And press next one.
You can use this shortcut to open the command prompt.
3. Perform SFC and DISM scans
Corrupted or missing system files are another reason why Command Prompt might not work for you. If this is the case, you can try running SFC, or System File Checker, to scan your computer to detect and repair these system files. Here's how.
Step 1: Open menu START YOUR , And type Windows PowerShell , And press Enter.
Step 2: Type the command below and press Enter.
sfc / scannow
This process may take some time. If the scan is able to detect and repair the files, you will see a message that says “Windows Resource Protection found and successfully repaired corrupted files.".
If the SFC scan doesn't find any issues, you can try running a DISM scan or Deployment Image Servicing and Management instead. DISM can repair system images and files on your Windows, just like an SFC scan. Here's how to run it.
turn on PowerShell using Administrator rights Again enter the following commands one by one.
DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / CheckHealth
DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / ScanHealth
DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / RestoreHealth
Once done, restart your computer and see if you can access the command prompt now.
4. Update the environment variables path system.
If there are problems with the path environmental variables On your computer, the Command Prompt may fail to run commands. To fix this, you can create a new path by following the steps below.
Step 1: press the . key Windows + R To start the dialog box, type sysdm.cpl in box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the next window, select path variable and click Release.
Step 4: Next, tap New And enter the following path.
C:\Windows\SysWow64\
Restart your computer and check if you can run the command prompt.
5. Create a new user account
If you still can't use the Command Prompt, there may be a problem with your user account files. You can create a new user account on your computer to see if that works.
Step 1: press the . key Windows + I To run the application Settings.
Step 2: Switch to tab "the accounts" And click Family and other users.
Step 3: Under Other Users, click the button. Add an account.
Step 4: Next, tap “I don't have this person's login information.” Here.
From there, follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account on Windows. Once created, log in with the newly created user account and see if the Command Prompt works properly.
6. Try Safe Mode
Sometimes, third-party apps and programs on your computer can conflict with Windows 11 operations and cause problems. If you really need to use the Command Prompt, you can boot your computer into Safe Mode.
Read on to learn how to enter Safe Mode on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open menu START YOUR , And type System Configuration , And press Enter.
Step 2: in window System Configuration , switch to tab Boot. within Boot options , Locate Safe boot And press OK.
Step 3: When prompted, tap Reboot To enter safe mode.
Once you're in safe mode, check if you can access the command prompt. If you can, try Remove some recently installed apps and programs To check if this helps launch the command prompt.
7. Restore system performance
Your Windows 11 PC comes with a feature system recovery It's easy to use and periodically takes a backup of your entire system. You can use it to revert to a point when the Command Prompt was working properly. Using it, you can undo any bad changes made to your system. Here's how.
Step 1: Open menu START YOUR , And type Create a restore point Click on the first result that appears.
Step 2: Under the tab System Protection , click the . button System Restore.
Choose a restore point when the command prompt is working fine and press next one. Now follow the on-screen instructions to perform a system restore.
Command and control
The Command Prompt is an essential part of Windows, but when it doesn't work, it can be a cause for concern. We hope the solutions above helped you fix the Command Prompt not working on Windows 11.
